Powell, Chanderpaul put Windies on top

Dhaka

The ever-reliable Shivnarine Chanderpaul and opener Kieran Powell hit stubborn hundreds to give the West Indies a commanding start in the first Test in Dhaka on Tuesday.

Chanderpaul remained unbeaten on 123 for his 26th Test century while Powell notched 117 for his second to help the West Indies to an imposing 4-361 at close on the opening day after Darren Sammy won the toss and opted to bat.

The 38-year-old, who joined Powell at the stroke of lunch on 3-106, not only played a calm knock but also guided his young colleague to reverse Bangladesh's early advantage on a slow turning Shere Bangla stadium pitch.

Kieran Powell plays an uppish stroke during his knock of 117. Photo: AFP

Chanderpaul added an invaluable 125 runs for the fourth wicket with Powell before strengthening the West Indian position during an unbroken 130-run partnership with Denesh Ramdin who was 52 not out at the close.

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Bangladesh had looked good in the first hour when debutant off-spinner Sohag Gazi, opening the attack with the new ball, dismissed Chris Gayle (24) and Darren Bravo (14) before paceman Shahadat Hossain knocked off Marlon Samuels for 16.

But Powell and Chanderpaul avoided any further loss before tea, taking the West Indies to 3-223.

Powell reached his century with a sweep off left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan for his 15th boundary before he was bowled by Gazi who finished with 3-97. Powell hit 18 boundaries and a six during his 178-ball stay.

Chanderpaul, playing his 145th Test, was equally resolute as he completed his hundred with a four and single off Nasir Hossain. He has so far hit 17 boundaries off 195 balls.